Following widespread consultation, and debate in the Executive Committee, the ETUC has drawn up its response to the current phase of the European Commission consultation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), which was adopted on 6 September 2016.
The EU as a whole faces a crisis in confidence affecting not just the UK. Working people are struggling with falling living standards, declining purchasing power and the rise of precarious work, coupled with anxiety over the impact of free movement and migration. It is time to move towards a shared vision of a Social Europe that improves the economic and social conditions of EU citizens. The EU has to show that it can offer real advances in living standards. It is essential that the views of workers and their unions are taken fully into account.
The main principles underlying the EPSR should aim to: put social rights first; guarantee upward convergence for all workers; promote quality employment and not just minimum standards; guarantee non-regression and ensure that legal interpretations benefit workers; cover all Member States, not just the Eurozone; include both rights and benchmarks; and respect and strengthen social dialogue, collective bargaining and collective agreements.
The ETUC’s demands and recommendations focus on seven priority areas.
1.A fairer economy for quality job creation
Measures are needed to bring down unacceptable levels of unemployment, especially long-term. Public investment is key to economic recovery and job creation and must be a priority, encouraged through reform of the Stability and Growth Pact. Multinational companies must pay their way as part of a fairer tax system.
2.A pay rise for fairness at work and economic justice
European workers need a general pay rise in order to strengthen economic recovery, boost internal demand and tackle inequality and the gender pay gap. Collective bargaining rights and systems should be extended and strengthened.
3.Improved enforcement of existing rights and establishing new rights
Precarious work arrangements mean many workers are prevented from exercising legal rights. In particular, growing numbers of online platform and self-employed workers need adequate protection and enforcement. We also want improved information, consultation and representation for workers. Along with new rights to address unfair working conditions.
4.Fair mobility
The ETUC demands stronger legislation to protect migrant and posted workers from exploitation, and ensure fair treatment and freedom of movement.
5.Secure labour market transitions
As digitalisation, green technologies and globalisation transform the labour market, workers need access to lifelong education and training, good quality apprenticeships and skills development. The Youth Guarantee should be prolonged and expanded.
6.Social protection and strong public services
Welfare systems and income support should guarantee a decent standard of living for all, including unemployed, elderly and disabled people. Good public services must give access to child and elderly care, transport, healthcare and housing.
7.Institutional change to ensure equal emphasis on promoting Social Europe
All European instruments, including legislation, the European Semester, and decisions in the democratically elected European Parliament must work to reinforce social objectives. A Social Protocol to the Treaties would ensure that these are not subordinated to economic interests.
ETUC Position on the European Pillar of Social Rights: https://www.etuc.org/documents/etuc-position-european-pillar-social-rights-working-better-deal-all-workers